Nansita Charan

I’ve always had a keen interest in aircraft as I used to travel to Fiji to visit my grandparents quite often. Of course at the age of 4 I was only interested in the kids activity packs but that only propelled my eagerness towards the aviation industry.

As a child and pre-teen I’d constantly help my dad with any home projects making me realise my passion for all things hands-on! Getting into high school I had a taste of woodworks, metal works etc which made me choose engineering as one of my subjects from year 9 to year 12.

During high school the more I learnt about the industry the more it intrigued me even if it is considered a male dominated profession – which was clearly evident as I was 1 or 2 girls in my engineering class. After I graduated I pursued Mechanical Engineering at university hoping it would take me out to the hangar and tarmac, though after a year I realised it wasn’t the path that’d take me where I wanted. I stopped my course and started searing for something else.

After searching I came across a TAFE course for Aeroskills Cert 2, enrolled in it and I absolutely loved it!

I was able to apply for the Boeing Female Apprenticeship Program and even more lucky to have been selected as part of the first intake that started in September 2022.

This apprenticeship for me meant progressing further into my dream career but it also meant having to move away from family as I moved states for this job and qualification. Though there are bittersweet moments the job in itself has been a dream, and honestly so much better than what I had thought. I can’t wait to finish the apprenticeship and see what the future holds for me!

As an apprentice, I have the privilege and opportunity to work all around Boeing Aerostructures Australia - learning about 737, 777 and 787. Amongst all that I also get to experience a bit of NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), Fabrication, Tooling, etc.

Most days you'll see me doing tasks assigned to manufacture the moving parts of an aircraft such as ailerons, rudders or inboard or outboard flaps.

My job constantly has me on the tools and the best part about working here is that so many of my teammates have years and years of experience - meaning I get to learn how to do jobs in more than one way.

Another thing about this role is that on the shop floor there is never a dull moment. My teammates are constantly making the workplace a fun and safe environment. My teammates make this more than just a job; for me it is a second home.

All in all, it's a physically demanding job but it's very rewarding seeing all the products come together at the end of the shift, and the amount of knowledge I gather every single day is immeasurable. It makes it all worthwhile knowing I'll be an aircraft maintenance engineer one day and ensuring the products I work on are safe.